No Arms for Saudi Arabia

"The Bush administration is preparing to ask Congress to approve an arms sale package for Sudi Arabia and its neighbors that is expected to eventually total $20 billion at a time when some United States officials contend that the Saudis are playing a counterproductive role in Iraq. The proposed package of advanced weaponry for Saudi Arabia, which includes advanced satellite-guided bombs, upgrades to its fighters and new naval vessels, has made Israel and some of its supporters in Congress nervous. . . .

The officials said the plan to bolster the militaries of Persian Gulf countries is part of an American strategy to contain the growing power of Iran in the region and to demonstrate that, no matter what happens in Iraq, Washington remains committed to its longtime Arab allies."

I think that's it time to completely change our long-standing policies on arms deals. Let's agree that we should only sell arms to liberal democracies that satisfy some simple guidelines, including universal suffrage, due process, and free speech. We need to stop sending weaponry to foreign countries that are political unknowns, and especially those not accountable to their people. I suggest everyone write their Congressperson to vote no on this proposal.